Estrogen dominance is a term that describes a condition of excessive estrogen ACTIVITY with insufficient progesterone to balance the effects in the body.

Men should be concerned about Estrogen Dominance? Researchers, including John R. Lee, MD, Dr. Jesse Hanley, and Dr. Peter Eckhart believe the over abundance of estrogen activity contributes to the growing number of health problems we see today. Dr. Lee attributes the over exposure to estrogen as a primary culprit of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Xenoestrogens (estrogenic effects on a living organism even though they differ chemically from the naturally occurring estrogenic substances) are of particular concern and significantly contribute to the excessive exposure to estrogens.

Men produce both estrogen and progesterone, but in significantly lower quantities than women. Estrogen and progesterone are produced in the adrenal glands and testes of men and are vital hormones for men and women.

Progesterone is crucial to sustaining good hormone balance. It is an essential component in the formation of testosterone and other adrenal cortical hormones.

A common misconception is that testosterone is the cause of prostate cancer. However, an over abundance of estrogen activity may be a significant factor. The health of the prostate is influenced by the decline in testosterone with advancing age and increased exposure to estrogen activity from the environment. The combination of declining testosterone and increasing estrogen activity are the like explanation for prostate enlargement and cancer.

How to limit exposure to estrogen?

Use glass or ceramics to store food and avoid reheating food in plastic containers

Progesterone can help to reduce the size of the prostate by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, a substance responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is linked to prostate cancer. As progesterone levels decline, the conversion of testosterone to DHT increases. Progesterone is necessary to balance the proliferative effects that estrogen has on prostate cells.

Using a progesterone supplement can help reduce prostate size and lessen symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

The side effects associated with the use of progesterone cream are minimal. Studies reveal a decrease in sperm production when progesterone cream is applied to males. Additionally, progesterone doses not produce feminizing characteristics in males.

Apply 8 – 12 mg daily, Monday through Saturday. It is good to skip one day a week. It is applied to thin skin areas, such as to the inner forearms and sides of trunk. A convenient container of progesterone is available at The Compounder. Two pumps will deliver 10mg of progesterone, USP - the correct amount for most men.

Any health related information is for educational purposes only. None of the information provided here is to be construed as medical advice. Before applying any therapy or use of herbs, you may want to seek advice from your health care professional. The information on our website should not be a substitute for physician evaluation or treatment by a health care professional and is not intended to provide or confirm a diagnosis.